Spraying coupled with turbulence mechanisms enhanced the removal of fine particles in wet flue gas

Agglomeration pretreatment has been proved as the most effective method to enhance the removal of fine particulate matters (PM2.5). However, the common technologies were not suitable for the high-humidity conditions, such as the wet flue gas after desulphurization. Herein, we proposed a method for enhancing the agglomeration of fine particles by applying the combination mechanisms of spraying and turbulence effects. Through the experiments and simulation studies, we found that the number concentration proportions of fine particles can decrease by 19.9% in the size range of 0-0.5 mu m, and increased by 15.2% in the range of 0.5-3.0 mu m with the spray volume of 15 L/min. The turbulence effects can make the movement states of fine particles more disordered, and increase the collision and agglomeration opportunities among particles and droplets. The average particle size can be increased by 35% with the integrated turbulence structures and spraying. Combined with the agglomeration system, the graded removal efficiency of fine particles with the size of below 1.0 mu m in WESP can be improved by 15%. This study contributes to comprehend the mechanism of turbulence on the particle agglomeration, and provides a reference for the upgradation and transformation of the existing dust removal equipment.

Automated summary

Agglomeration pretreatment is the most effective method to remove fine particulate matters (PM2.5). However, existing technologies were not suitable for high-humidity conditions. This study proposed a method combining spraying and turbulence effects to enhance the agglomeration of fine particles. The results showed that the number concentration proportions of fine particles can decrease and increase within specific size ranges with the spray volume of 15 L/min. Turbulence effects can increase the collision and agglomeration opportunities among particles and droplets, resulting in an increased average particle size. The integration of this method with an agglomeration system can improve the removal efficiency of fine particles in WESP. This study contributes to understanding the mechanism of turbulence on particle agglomeration and provides insights for upgrading existing dust removal equipment.